Victorian Christmas Cards: What Is It? What Is It Worth?

Today, vintage Victorian Christmas cards are mostly found used, with handwritten addresses and greetings. Cards of the era were typically illustrated with religious motifs or scenes of still lifes, nature, and people enjoying a winter day.

In 1843, the first Christmas card was commercially manufactured by John Callcott Horsley in England. By the late 1800s, many English manufacturers were producing Christmas cards, including H. Rothe, De La Rue & Co., and Benjamin Sulman. This Hildesheimer & Faulkner card was inspired by the 1884 book Language of Flowers, a volume that served as a source for card makers and that defined the virtues associated with various flowers. The daffodil suggests respect, the fern sincerity, ivy fidelity, and the tulip, alas, hopeless love. Some of these cards were signed by the artisan.

Today, vintage Victorian Christmas cards are mostly found used, with handwritten addresses and greetings. Cards of the era were typically illustrated with religious motifs or scenes of still lifes, nature, and people enjoying a winter day. Condition is important, since many in the market are torn or faded from handling and age. According to Nancy Rosin, a collector who specializes in Victorian cards, examples can start as low as $15 and can be found on the Internet, and in antiques shops and shows. *The estimates provided are preliminary only and subject to change based on firsthand inspection and further research. Appraisal prices refer to an item's fair market value, or what one might expect to pay for an object of similar age, size, color, and condition at auction.

This circa 1880 chromolithographed paper Christmas card trimmed with blue silk fringe was likely made by Hildesheimer & Faulkner in London, England. It is in good condition, with its fringe intact. Victorian Christmas cards were made on high-quality paper and hand colored. They were considered expensive gifts to send.